The Presidency notes with serious concern the recent Afro-barometer survey report and its deliberate, serialized headline reporting by The Voice newspaper. The survey, in both methodology and presentation, appears to have a strong underlying motive to discredit public institutions, and the Government finds this profoundly troubling and necessary to address. We have reviewed the survey report in its entirety and found its findings disappointing, patently erroneous and un-factual and therefore, substantially disagree with its flawed outcome.
While we recognize the importance of public feedback in strengthening governance, the report presents an imbalanced and, in some instances, misleading portrayal of our public institutions, particularly three key institutions; The Presidency, The Judiciary and Parliament.
Considering this serious mischaracterization of the status quo, we are compelled to share the Judiciary’s submission that either Afro-barometer lacks understanding or deliberately indulges in misrepresenting the mandates and responsibilities of these public institutions. The situation has reached such fallacious conclusions derived from perceptions (opinion), which amount to or are deliberate propaganda calculated to undermine the credibility and integrity of our public institutions.
Regrettably, we reiterate the Judiciary’s contention that the Government’s input or opinion was never sought nor given in the preparation of their report, which is important for context and avoidance of misrepresentations, particularly regarding institutional mandates.
The case made by the Judiciary sufficiently settles the misrepresentation issue as cited in their rejoinder. For instance, the assumption that the Judiciary determines which cases are brought before the courts is incorrect. This is the responsibility of prosecutorial authorities and not the Judiciary, as erroneously reported. Curiously, while the survey claims that only 44% of citizens believe ordinary people can obtain justice in court, Court filings have increased from a record 25% to 30% annually. This clearly contradicts the flawed report and demonstrates that, on the contrary, citizens, in fact, continue to rely on the Judiciary as a credible arbiter that resolves disputes without fear or favour, affection or ill will.
Conversely, while public perceptions of the Judiciary continue to be shaped by socio-economic realities, media reports, and limited personal engagement with the judicial process, such perceptions should inform institutional reforms. However, they should not be misconstrued as definitive yardsticks of judicial performance and by extension, public institutions and service level satisfaction.
Crucially, even though Afro-barometer presents itself as an independent, Pan-African research network that measures public attitudes on economic, political, and social matters, its conduct in The Gambia falls short of this mantra as it is almost always, grossly contradictory. Unfortunately, over the recent years, the medium’s country-specific reports on The Gambia have been consistently and selectively skewed, highlighting only the negative aspects ignoring significant progress and positive developments in governance.
The sweeping claim that public institutions are corrupt is a deliberate misrepresentation. The report lacks balance and professionalism, failing to acknowledge The Government’s extensive efforts to combat corruption. It is unacceptable that the Afro-barometer reached such conclusions and outrageous claims without engaging the public institutions it is assessing and rating. No rating, polling or research can be conducted without the involvement of its key participants. This undermines the credibility of their findings and violates ethical survey standards.
While we acknowledge that corruption exists in Government institutions and remains unacceptable, it is not as pervasive as the Afro-barometer survey suggests. The report overlooks the significant strides made in combating corruption, promoting transparency, and enhancing accountability. This administration has implemented several key measures including but not limited to:
• The Janneh Commission and the Local Government Commission of Inquiry, both of which have provided invaluable insights into public financial mismanagement and shaping policies for greater accountability.
• Strengthening accountability institutions, such as the National Audit Office, The Judiciary, the Police, and the media, to ensure they operate independently and without interference.
• Establishing the Anti-Corruption Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and empowering the Office of the Ombudsman.
• Enhancing civilian oversight of the security sector and creating a dedicated Ministry of Public Service to improve governance.
The period covered by the survey (2018–2024) has seen a marked increase in the reporting and prosecution of corruption cases—not an increase in corruption itself. This is due to improved transparency and governance mechanisms. The passage of the Access to Information Act and the establishment of the Access to Information Commission have empowered citizens and whistle-blowers to report corruption freely.
Contrary to the survey’s insinuations, Government revenue has significantly increased due to enhanced financial oversight, efficient resource management, and anti-corruption efforts. The substantial investments made in infrastructure, including roads, health facilities, schools, and expanded electricity access, are tangible evidence of prudent financial management.
The Gambia Government remains alive and committed to strengthening public institutions and improving governance. We welcome constructive feedback and urge that reports such as this must adhere to professional, ethical, and objective standards.
Tragically, Afro-barometer’s methodology and selective reporting have woefully failed to provide a fair assessment of The Gambia’s governance progress; a basic litmus test for credibility and ethical survey standards globally.
We, therefore, urge the public to critically evaluate such reports and recognize the significant strides made by the Barrow administration in strengthening democracy, justice, the rule of law and public accountability in The Gambia.
By: State House of The Gambia
